The safest way to buy a car out-of-state
Pay online with your bank account and we'll pay your seller when they hand over the keys.
Guaranteed clear title
$79 flat fee
Pay online with your bank account and we'll pay your seller when they hand over the keys.
Guaranteed clear title
$79 flat fee
How does it work?
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Verify your identity
Both you and your seller verify their identity with KeySavvy. We also verify title and registration to guarantee a worry-free transfer of ownership.
Pay online
Link your bank account and pay online. If the seller has a loan or you're shipping the vehicle, we'll provide a temporary permit so it's legal to drive right away. Wire transfers, Zelle, and credit cards are also accepted.
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Exchange keys
Get the vehicle shipped or meet in-person and make it a road trip. For shipped vehicles, your seller will mail the title to us and we'll check it for errors before forwarding it to you.
Seller gets paid
Once you or the shipper picks up the vehicle and we've received the title, KeySavvy pays your seller via direct deposit (ACH). If the seller has a loan, we'll pay the lender directly.
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Low, flat fees
Buyers
$79 transaction fee
Sellers
Buyers and sellers can also choose to split fees equally, or have one party pay all fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does KeySavvy charge a fee?
Sellers pay a flat fee of $79. If the vehicle has a loan, KeySavvy charges an additional $99 to pay off the loan as part of the sale.
Buyers also pay a flat fee of $79.
Buyers and sellers can split fees equally, or have one party pay all fees.
Can I pay with KeySavvy if the seller has a loan or lien?
Yes, KeySavvy enables you to purchase a vehicle when the seller still has a loan or lien.
In a typical private party sale, the seller can't transfer ownership to you without first paying off their loan. Paying a seller with cash or a cashier's check and not receiving the title right away is risky for buyers. Because KeySavvy is a licensed dealer, we can handle the loan payoff and sale as part of the purchase process, and issue a temporary permit that allows you to legally drive the car right away.
How to sell a financed car with KeySavvy
Can I pay with KeySavvy if the seller is in another state?
Yes, you can pay a seller even if they're located out-of-state. If you're picking up the vehicle in-person, we'll pay the seller when you pick up the car. If the vehicle is being shipped, we'll pay the seller when the shipper picks it up, as long as we've already received the title.
When a vehicle is shipped, KeySavvy requires the seller to mail us the title to be held in escrow, along with your payment. This helps us protect buyers from mistakes on the title that could prevent or delay registration with your state DMV. If the seller has a loan, we'll mail additional paperwork to the seller that enables us to transfer the title to you. Sellers are not paid until we receive all required documentation.
KeySavvy does not make any guarantees regarding the condition of the vehicle and third-party inspections are highly recommended. Read our blog article about pre-purchase inspections to learn more.
How is KeySavvy different from Escrow.com?
Similar to escrow services like Escrow.com, KeySavvy collects payment from the buyer and pays the seller when the buyer picks up the car. However, KeySavvy is specifically designed for vehicle sales. Since we're a licensed dealer, we can verify the seller's ownership to protect buyers from title fraud, work with banks to pay off the seller's loan, and issue temporary permits so it's legal to drive the car immediately.
How is KeySavvy different from PayPal and other payment services?
Unlike payment apps like PayPal and Cash App, KeySavvy verifies the buyer's identity and the seller's ownership of the vehicle. We guarantee buyers receive a clear title and sellers get paid. In contrast, PayPal explicitly excludes vehicles from purchase protection.
Other peer-to-peer payment services are primarily intended for smaller transactions between friends and family. They have limits that are much lower than a typical vehicle sale price. KeySavvy has no transaction limit and guides buyers and sellers through the process, including help with all the necessary paperwork and title transfer. As a licensed dealer, we have access to data that enables more thorough verification and helpful services like temporary operating permits.
Do I have to pay taxes and registration fees?
Yes, in order to register your car, you will need to pay taxes and registration fees to your state. In some cases, KeySavvy will collect taxes and fees when you pay for your vehicle. If KeySavvy does not collect taxes and fees, the DMV will collect them when you register the vehicle.
Can I get a refund if I don't pick up the car after paying?
Yes, your payment is refundable (including our fee) until you pick up the vehicle from the seller or until it's picked up by a vehicle shipper.
Can I buy or sell a motorcycle, truck, or RV using KeySavvy?
Yes, KeySavvy supports cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, snowmobiles, and ATVs! As long as the vehicle is titled in the United States, we can verify the seller's identity, check for loans and liens, and allow buyers to pay online. When buyers pay with KeySavvy, we guarantee buyers will receive a clear title and sellers will get paid.
Buy and sell cars worry-free
KeySavvy makes it safer and easier to buy and sell cars on any marketplace.
Copyright © KeySavvy, Inc., a public benefit corporation.
KeySavvy is a licensed auto dealer, regulated by Minnesota Driver & Vehicle Services. License #DLR100357.